Until the 18th century, alchemical symbols, which were devised as part of the protoscience of alchemy, were employed to denote some elements and compounds. While this type of writing was fairly standardised, alchemists’ styles and symbols varied, hence this page of alchemy symbols lists the most prevalent.
Alchemy was passed down through the ages from Egypt and Arabia through Greece and Rome, and then to western and central Europe. The name comes from the Arabic phrase “al-kimia,” which refers to the Egyptians’ preparation of the Stone or Elixir. The Arabic word “kimia” is derived from the Coptic word “khem,” which refers to the Nile delta’s fertile black soil.
Some of the most frequent alchemical symbols are listed here.
The Earth element has the ability to cleanse. Prosperity, fertility, stability, orderliness, groundedness, sustenance, creativity, physical abundance, nourishment, solidity, dependability, security, permanency, intuition, introspection, and wisdom are all symbols associated with it.Winter is the season linked with Earth, while North is the associated direction. An inverted triangle with a horizontal line running through it is … Read more
Water is said to have cleaning properties. Dreaming, healing, flowing, fluidity, purification, regeneration, stability, strength, change, fertility, devotion, receiving, and unconditional love are all represented by this symbol. It represents both death and rebirth. It may be both life-giving and destructive. Fresh water represents life and good health, whereas polluted/stagnant water represents illness.It is related … Read more
This element is thought to have been the first to appear when the cosmos was created. Fire is thought to provide transformative and cleansing properties. It has the ability to provide warmth and support life, as well as to burn and destroy. Fire represents Light on the spiritual realm and the Sun or Flame on … Read more
It is linked to the breath of life and is said to have purifying properties. Communication, intelligence, perception, knowledge, learning, thinking, imagination, creativity, harmony, and travel are all represented by the element air. This wellspring of life can also be a source of tremendous destruction at times.Spring is related with air, and the East is … Read more
The Philosopher’s Stone symbol is made up of a huge, empty circle containing a triangle containing a square within a circle. The Philosopher’s Stone was claimed to be capable of transforming base metals (such as lead) into gold and to hold the key to eternal life.
The emblem of Quintessence is regarded the synthesis of alchemy and is also known as the Hermetic Seal, according to ancient Pythagorean philosophy. It contains the triangle, circle, and square, which represent the spirit, soul, and body, respectively, all of which are necessary for alchemical transformation. While transmuting physical body matter into purer forms of … Read more
In alchemy, it is the third heavenly substance after Mercury and Sulphur. Since the dawn of time, this mineral has been revered as a sacred object and a renowned religious and social symbol. It symbolizes camaraderie, fraternity, purity, and incorruptibility. It is a symbol of all that is wonderful in life, as well as wit … Read more
Zinc oxide, often known as philosophers’ wool or nix alba (white snow), was created by burning zinc in the air.
Is one of alchemy’s seven metals (gold, silver, mercury, copper, lead, iron & tin). In astrology, the sign for tin might also be used to represent Jupiter.